Clarence Clemons

musician

Born:01/11/1942

Birthplace:Norfolk, Va

Died:06/18/2011
(Palm Beach, Fla)

Clarence Clemons was one of rock music's most well known and beloved
sidemen. Since 1972, Clemons played saxophone in Bruce Springsteen's E
Street Band. His bold, but melodic saxophone hooks were a perfect match
for Springsteen's songs. Clemons' soulful and jovial manner made him the
ideal partner for Springsteen's cool, everyman appeal. More than
bandmates, the two were close friends, sharing a camaraderie that came
through on stage and connected with audiences year after year. Clemons
also acted in films, like Martin Scorsese's New York, New York, and on
television shows such as Different Strokes. In 1993, he jammed on stage
with President Bill Clinton at the inaugural ball. Nicknamed the Big Man,
Clemons was 6 feet 4 inches tall, towering over Springsteen on stage. He
was also a talented athlete, attending Maryland State College on a
football and music scholarship. He was headed to the NFL, trying out for
the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys, but a car accident resulted
in a knee injury that ended his football career. When he wasn't making
music with The Boss, Clemons played saxophone on records by Twisted Sister
and Aretha Franklin. He sang with Jackson Browne on the Top 20 hit "You're
a Friend of Mine" in 1985. Most recently, Clemons played saxophone on Lady
Gaga's album "Born This Way," and was featured her video "Edge of Glory."
His death was due to complications after a stroke he suffered at his home
in Singer Island, Fla.

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